Opening of Sakhalin and Iturup in 8 days

5 more

Discover the stunning landscapes of Sakhalin and Iturup with us!

We will walk along the historical streets of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, enjoy local cuisine and feel the influence of Japanese culture, walk along the mirrored beach, go to volcanoes, relax in thermal springs and this is only a small part of what awaits you!

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sightseeing tours

from

Contact the tour coordinator

Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Thermal springs

Relax and recuperate in the relaxing hot baths

Feast at the Busse Lagoon

Enjoy freshly caught seafood and wild oysters, backed up by magnificent views and atmosphere

A sea odyssey to the Aniva Lighthouse

Explore the atmospheric Aniva Lighthouse among the beautiful seascapes

Picturesque White Cliffs

Take a walk along the gray-graphite sandy beach and take beautiful photos against the background of the famous rocks that will stand out in your gallery

Volcanic splendor

Visit the Baransky Volcano with its turquoise lakes, fumaroles and mineral streams, as well as the Yankito Plateau with its bizarrely frozen lava flows

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and sightseeing tour
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Attention! Check-in at the hotel from 14:00 (early check-in is possible with an additional 50% / room / day).
Sightseeing tour of the city (2 hours). During the tour, you will learn how the city grew and developed during the period of Japanese rule (at that time, it was called Toyohara), you will see preserved Japanese buildings built in the same distant times, including one of the oldest buildings built in 1908 and the most striking buildings built in 1937.
Get acquainted with the most beautiful places of the modern, cozy city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the main attractions of the island capital: the observation deck of the STK "Mountain Air", which offers a magnificent view of the whole city (Attention! The ascent to the middle platform is carried out by motor transport). We will visit three squares – Lenin, Victory and Glory, as well as Chekhov Center Square.
Welcome dinner in Sakhalin style. We will begin our journey with an introduction to Sakhalin cuisine. At our dinner you will taste the famous hemultan soup, salads from Sakhalin wild plants.
Over dinner, we will discuss the details of the trip and give you the necessary attribute for a trip to the Kuril Islands. The weather on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands is changing very quickly, and to make your trip comfortable, we have prepared a raincoat for you. Your clothes will always stay dry, even in the most inclement weather.
Transfer to the hotel after dinner. Rest.
Day 2 - Departure to O. Iturup
Check-in for the flight. Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Arrival in Kurilsk. Meeting.
Iturup means "big salmon" in the Ainu language. The largest island in the archipelago of the Kuril Island range.
Majestic volcanoes, 12 of which are active, are the "authors" of the created relief and the real attractions of the island: frozen rivers of lava flows, numerous lakes, including hot ones, volcanoes with craters filled with water, fumarole fields, beautiful rocks, waterfalls, mud boilers, thermal swamps and springs! We have collected some of them on this trip to explore the island!
Transfer for dinner.
Dinner at the cafe.
Transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Day 3 - Local History Museum, Kasatka Bay, Mirrored beach, Chertovka rock and thermal springs
Breakfast on your own.
09:45 Transfer to the Museum of Local Lore.
10:00 Traditionally, we begin exploring the island at the Museum of Local lore, where you are met by professionals who love their region and know the history of the island. Iturup people.
11:00 Departure towards the Pacific Ocean, to Kasatka Bay. The first stop is at the observation deck near the Kuibyshevka River: inspection of the quarry, military equipment. Next, let's stop at the "mirror" beach, which looks like an endless sea mirror.
A stranded fishing vessel, the most popular photo object among the guests of the island.
13:00 We will definitely drive to the Devil's rock. At one time, the Japanese punched tunnels in it for through passage for military purposes, which have survived to the present day. You will walk (somewhere you will crawl) through the places of hostilities, you will see the site of the former "hospital", the so-called laboratory where the Japanese worked on the development of bacteriological weapons. In good weather, those who wish to swim in the Pacific Ocean.
14:30 Lunch on the shore of the Pacific Ocean (Iturup fish soup, tea, sliced fish, vegetables, cheese).
15:30 Rest on the shore.
16:30 Transfer to the thermal springs.
18:00 Visit to the thermal springs "Baths" (village of Rybaki, entrance fee is paid additionally). To visit the thermal springs, take bathing accessories, rubber slippers, sheets (you can take them at the hotel reception). In case of adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and rubber boots.
19:30 Return transfer to the hotel.
Dinner on your own.

2 more photos
Day 4 - Jeep tour to the White Rocks, Sailing Bay, White rocks and thermal springs
Breakfast on your own.
10:00 Departure for an excursion along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk to the beach with White cliffs. The length of the rocks is about 28 km.
They consist of porous volcanic glass and pumice, frozen as a result of a colossal eruption of a red-hot gas cloud. The sand of the beach consists of white quartz and black titanium magnetite sand. Due to the mixture of these two sands, an extremely beautiful gray-graphite sandy beach is formed.
The stop is Sailing Bay. In the depths of the bay, in a picturesque canyon, there is a waterfall "Maiden braids" with a height of 10 m.
13:00 Stop at the beach with White cliffs. A walk through the canyon. Departure to the Black Stones.
15:00 Lunch on the seashore near the Black stones (Iturup fish soup, tea, sliced vegetables, fish).
16:30 Boarding the ground transport. Departure to the thermal springs.
17:00 After a boat trip, you will enjoy a rest in the thermal springs "Hot waters" (1 hour, entrance fee is paid additionally). To visit the thermal springs, take bathing accessories, rubber slippers, sheets (you can take them at the hotel reception). In case of adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and rubber boots.
18:30 Return to the hotel.
Dinner on your own.

3 more photos
Day 5 - Jeep tour to the foot of the Baransky volcano and rest in the thermal springs
Breakfast on your own.
10:00 Departure to the Baransky volcano by car.
Baransky Volcano (height 1132 meters) is one of the most accessible active volcanoes on Iturup Island with hot lakes of unusual turquoise color, fumaroles, mineral streams and healing springs. We will enjoy the beauty and relaxation in the thermal baths, taste eggs with caviar boiled directly in volcanic water.
10:30 Visit to the observation deck.
10:45 Visit to the mud kettle field. We cook eggs in a thermal stream, taste them with caviar.
12:00 Boarding the transport. Departure to the thermal complex.
12:30 Walk to the Turquoise lakes along the thermal stream along the ecological trail. PHOTOSESSION.
13:30 Return to the thermal springs complex. Camping snack (tea, coffee, sliced fish, sausage and cheese).
14:30 Swimming in thermal springs (entrance fee is paid additionally).
16:30 Transfer to Kurilsk.
17:00 Arrival in Kurilsk.
Dinner on your own.
Rest.
Attention! In the area of fumarole fields, precautions must be taken – you can fall into hot mud, in the area of mineral springs – get chemical burns. You can swim only in springs with a certain water temperature.
On this route, it is advisable to have bathing accessories, rubber slippers, sheets (you can take them at the hotel reception). The tour takes place by car.

2 more photos
Day 6 - Jeep tour to the Yankito lava plateau and departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Breakfast on your own. Delivery of rooms.
11:00 Departure for an excursion to the foot of the Bogdan Khmelnitsky volcano in Yankito, which is a plateau of frozen lava flows of bizarre shape. Beautiful landscapes that open from any point of view. Bright, spectacular photos, unique impressions!
Dear ladies, feel like a fashion model, take your favorite dress with you and have an amazing photo shoot among the frozen lava flows!
13:30 Stop at the observation deck in the village. Whale.
Transfer to the airport.
Check-in for the flight.
Departure from Kurilsk.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

2 more photos
Day 7 - Aniva Lighthouse and lunch with oysters at Busse Lagoon
05:45 Car pickup at the hotel, departure to the place of the general gathering of the group at the Aniva lighthouse.
For this route, do not forget to take a raincoat, hat, and cotton gloves. For lunch with oysters, take your favorite wine with you. Dry white wine, prosecco and brut go well with oysters.
Important! The night before, order your breakfast with you at the hotel reception.
06:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Novikovo village.
08:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Briefing, preparation for going to sea.
09:00 Departure from Novikovo village on PVC motorboats.
11:00 Arrival at Aniva Lighthouse.
The Aniva Lighthouse (yap. Naka – Siretokomisaki) was established in 1939 on a small Sea Lion rock, near the inaccessible rocky cape Aniva. It is not only the most original and complex technical project of the Karafuto period, but also an outstanding world achievement in the practice of lighthouse construction at that time. The need to build a lighthouse was due to unpredictable treacherous currents, mixing the waters of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Bay of Aniva, frequent fogs and rocky banks.
12:00 Transfer to Cape Marble. During sea crossings, we can meet sea lions, seals, dolphins and killer whales.
13:00 Arrival at Cape Marble. A walk, a photo shoot.
13:30 Departure to the village. Novikovo.
14:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Preparation for departure to the village of Muravyovo (laguna Busse).
14:45 Transfer to Busse Lagoon.
15:15 Stay on the lagoon coast.
A master class on opening oysters. PHOTOSESSION.
Lunch of freshly caught seafood and wild oysters. There will be a lot of oysters!
You will have an exciting journey to a unique "restaurant" of seafood cuisine with tasting of wild oysters, completely unique in their taste qualities, which you can try only on Sakhalin.
On the menu: ½ glass of wine, fresh scallop, red caviar, sliced fish, wild oysters with lemon and branded oyster sauce; baked oysters with cheese and garlic; dish "Sakhalin childhood" (seasonal fish baked in burdock leaves); Sakhalin ear; fresh vegetables; fruit drink; tea/Coffee.
18:00 Transfer from Busse Lagoon to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
20:00 The end of the excursion to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Return to the hotel or to the gathering place.
Attention! While on board a swimming vehicle, you must adhere to generally accepted norms of behavior, not create dangerous or threatening situations. A life jacket must be worn, if you are seasick, you must take a medication for motion sickness. During excursions, take care of cultural and historical monuments, as well as take care of nature.
A boat trip depends entirely on the mercy of the sea. In case of bad weather conditions and inability to go to sea, the boat trip will be canceled or replaced with an auto tour to Cape Evstafia.

2 more photos
Day 8 - The end of the program and departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
07:00 Breakfast at the hotel restaurant or cafe (if breakfast is included in the room rate).
Transfer to the airport with the opportunity to visit (by prior arrangement) the fish market.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights
or

Guest House, Hotel

4 nights

Comfort

Basic+
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation:

3 nights in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a hotel to choose from, extra charge;
4 nights on the island. Iturup in the guest house "Kasatka".

The cost of the tour for 1 person, RUB.:

Placement	Cost
Double room	99088
Extra charge for a single room	10000
A child under 12 years old in a double or triple room	96088

Hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (the price is for one person for 3 nights, rub.):

Prices are dynamic and subject to change.

Hotel	Double room	Single room	Extra day (double/single)
Youth 3*	8700	14700	2900/4900
Squirrel 3*	9600	16350	3200/5450
Jubilee 3*	9900	16020	3300/5650
Gagarin 3*	10800	17400	3600/5800
Mega Palace Hotel 4*	11700	19950	3900/6650
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (two 1.5 double beds)	15000	25800	5000/8600
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (one large bed)	15750	27210	5250/9070
Paradise Risot Hotel 4*	18000	33000	6000/11000

When booking accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on your own, please take into account:

transfer to arrival / departure (meeting /departure) is available for an additional fee: 600 rubles per person one way, within the city, without arrival at the market;
the tourist must independently arrive at the gathering place of the group for transfer to the airport upon departure to the Kuril Islands, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before or independently arrive at the airport;
upon the group's return from the Kuril Islands, the transfer takes tourists only to the base hotels;
the tourist must independently arrive at the starting point of the group excursions according to the program, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before, at the end of the tour, tourists are delivered only to the base hotels.

Please note:

Each accommodation facility has its own standard: the Kasatka guest house agreed to call the standard rooms: 4 rooms, there is an option of one bed or two separate beds with a bathroom and a washbasin in the room, two shower rooms for 4 rooms in the common hall.
When choosing a double room, tell the manager which room is required: with two single beds or one double bed.

"Squirrel" 3*

The first hotel in the Far East, made according to Finnish technology in a wooden style made of milled timber.

The three—storey building with a basement was built according to an individual project developed by Japanese architects, with maximum preservation of all the unique properties of wood - a healthy microclimate, special deep warmth, comfort, creating a favorable atmosphere and giving a sense of security and peace. Within the walls of the hotel there is an atmosphere of warm, taiga wood in its pristine beauty.

Hotel It was opened in 2003.

Renovated in 2019.

In all rooms: TV, Internet Wi-Fi, safe, air conditioning, refrigerator, mini-bar, bathrobe, slippers, personal hygiene products, hair dryer.

2 more photos

Another option

Mega Palace 4*

This hotel is located on the Far Eastern Sakhalin Island of Russia, at the foot of the Susunai Mountains. It offers an international restaurant, a spa and a nightclub. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city centre is a 15-minute drive away.

Mega Palace Hotel is a multi-storey building with modern rooms and apartments furnished with antique furniture. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, a safe and a minibar.

It offers a fitness center, a hot tub and a sauna. In the evenings, guests can visit the karaoke bar or a nightclub with a DJ.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning. The Marquis Restaurant serves Russian, European and Japanese cuisine. Serbian cuisine can be enjoyed at the Grill in the Sky restaurant. Asian cuisine restaurant "Asia" and Japanese restaurant Bambu are also available on site. Guests can relax at the Duke Karaoke Bar.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport is a 30-minute drive away. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Central Station can be reached in 20 minutes by car.

8 more photos

Another option

"Youth" 3*

Yunost Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. At the guests' disposal: ski storage, parking, high-speed Internet, daily cleaning, luggage storage, smoking areas, board games and puzzles.

The cozy rooms, designed in a simple style and pleasant colors, are equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. At the guests' disposal there will be: air conditioning, private bathroom, shared lounge.

In the morning, guests are treated to a delicious breakfast. There is a grocery store nearby.

The nearest airport is approximately 7.8 km away.

1 more photo

Another option

"Jubilee" 3*

Offering free private parking, this hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 10-minute walk from the Gorny Vozdukh Ski Resort.

It offers rooms with a microwave.

All rooms at the Yubileynaya Hotel are decorated in a classic style and equipped with a work desk.

The bathrooms are equipped with a hairdryer.

The Time Cafe serves European and Oriental cuisine.

There are several restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.

Gagarin Park is a 3-minute walk away.

Yubileynaya Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Khomutovo Airport.

A shuttle service is available on request.

3 more photos

Another option

"Gagarin" 3*

Located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Gagarin Hotel offers its guests to stay in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. The variety of services provided will appeal to even the most demanding of them.

The following room categories are available to guests: standard, suite and apartments. Here you will find modern furniture and appliances.

The friendly and caring staff serves breakfast in the restaurant every morning. At any time of the day in the city, you can find an institution where you can have a snack or have fun.

The airport is just a few minutes away from the complex.

1 more photo

Another option

"Santa Risote" 4*

The Santa Risot Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at the foot of the mountain, which offers picturesque views. The hotel provides a wide range of services and entertainment so that every guest feels comfortable and can appreciate the high level of service, thanks to the highly qualified, attentive and friendly staff.

Each room is designed in a classic style that combines comfort and refined taste. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, namely comfortable and high-quality furniture, modern appliances, a bathroom with a set of individual hygiene products and bathrobes.

The on-site restaurant prepares amazing dishes of not only national, but European and Japanese cuisines. You can also visit the bar, which offers a wide range of drinks.

The airport is 9 km from the hotel, the train station is 3 km away.

2 more photos

Another option

Paradise Risot Hotel 4*

The hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk near the airport and Victory Square.

Check-in is possible in standard rooms, apartments, suites, each of which is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay: a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a wardrobe. The bathroom has a hairdryer, bathrobe, and free toiletries. The windows offer stunning views of nature. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available. A wellness center located in the hotel will be a pleasant addition to your rest. The list of services includes massage, spa treatments, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and much more.

The food is organized at the highest level. There is a coffee shop and a bar on the territory of the hotel, as well as a "breakfast in the room" service and a buffet. You can also have lunch in one of the many cafes and restaurants near the hotel.

The hotel is located near the airport, railway station and the city park of culture and recreation, where you can spend your leisure time.

1 more photo

Tour conditions

Group

up to 15 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

guided tours according to the program;
transfers according to the program;
accommodation: 3 nights in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the selected hotel (when choosing a rate with accommodation), 4 nights on the island. Iturup in the Kasatka Guest House (standard rooms);
meals according to the program: 3 breakfasts at the hotel (when choosing a rate with accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), 3 lunches and 1 snack, 2 dinners;
transportation services on the routes;
excursion service on Sakhalin Island;
escort by a guide to the island. Iturup;
entrance ticket to the museum;
registration of permits for staying in the border zone on the island. Iturup;
accident insurance, insurance coverage up to 100,000 rubles.;
raincoat.

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (when choosing a tariff without accommodation);
air tickets on the route: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Kurilsk — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (surcharge when booking a tour):
- adult — 14,800 rubles/person.;
- children (2-12 years old) - 7,900 rubles/person.;
surcharge for a guaranteed room with amenities in the guest house "Kasatka" — 6000 rubles/room;
breakfast, lunch and dinner on the island Iturup, indicated in the program marked "independently";
meals in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (except dinner on the first day);
entrance tickets to the sources:
- thermal springs "Baths" – 1000 rubles/person.;
- thermal springs "Hot waters" – 1000 rubles/person.;
- thermal springs at the Baransky volcano – 2000 rubles/person.;
surcharge for early check—in at the hotel - 50%/room/day;
the surcharge for late check—out from the hotel is 50%/room/day.

It's important to know

a small backpack for personal items that may be needed during the day of sightseeing, in case of rain, a cover for it;
sturdy worn boots or special trekking shoes with foot fixation that can resist moisture, with a good ribbed sole;
shoes for city tours, convenient for crossing/ flying between islands;
rubber slippers, preferably with foot fixation. These are very useful on excursions to the island of Kunashir, Cape Columnar, as well as when visiting all the thermal springs on the island. Iturup;
high rubber boots in case of rainy weather or raincoats for shoes;
waterproof hooded jacket that protects from the wind;
sweatpants, comfortable for long walks;
warm sweater, wool socks;
shorts in case of sunny weather in the city or a short excursion;
a bathing suit for visiting thermal springs, it is better not to be new: the fabric may change color after visiting hot springs, applying dirt from the springs;
a towel for visiting hot springs if you are planning a trip to Kunashir Island;
headgear: a cap in case of sunny weather and a knitted hat in case of windy and cold weather;
cotton gloves for trekking and climbing during excursions;
if you use trekking poles, take them with you on a tour, they are especially relevant on trekking routes to Kunashir Island, Shikotan Island;
sunglasses;
a drinking container for trekking and climbing (plastic bottle, light flask);
sunburn protection product;
protection against mosquitoes and ticks;
a spare set of underwear and change of clothes;
personal hygiene products, a first aid kit, preferably a hygienic lipstick.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$989

11 – 18 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

25 Jun – 2 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

2 – 9 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

9 – 16 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

10 – 17 Sep, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

17 – 24 Sep, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

24 Sep – 1 Oct, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

1 – 8 Oct, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$989

8 – 15 Oct, 2025 8 days 7 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now

Reviews

AA
Alexey Alexandrovich Tolmachev

13 Nov, 2024

about provider

The experience was incredible: the vast Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, rolling hills, volcanoes, mountain roads by jeep, miles of sea journeys, and new friends along the way. In Kurilsk, we were warmly welcomed and surrounded by kind, helpful people. A special thanks to Guram and Svetlana, Igor and Nikita. And many thanks to the 'Big Country' team, especially Dmitry. Explore the wonders of Russia...

13 Nov, 2024

2 more photos

Opening of Sakhalin and Iturup in 8 days

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

Similar tours